Looking after your dental health fact sheet

Looking after your dental health is important, especially when you have diabetes. Caring for your teeth and gums and managing your blood glucose levels can help reduce your risk of dental problems.

Blood glucose levels above the target range increase the risk of dental problems such as tooth decay, and gum infections or disease.

When your blood glucose levels are high, you may have a dry mouth and more glucose in your saliva. This can lead to the build-up of plaque on your teeth—a sticky film consisting mostly of bacteria. The bacteria produce acids which can damage the surface of the tooth, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Regular brushing and flossing can help protect your teeth and gums.

Tooth decay

Tooth decay occurs when acids in the mouth damage the outer surface of your teeth. This can lead to a cavity (hole) in the tooth. In the early stages of tooth decay, you may not have any symptoms.

Signs of tooth decay are listed below.

• Toothache
• Sensitive teeth
• Bad breath and an unpleasant taste in your mouth
• Spots appearing on your teeth.

Gum disease

Gum disease affects most people at some time during their life. Plaque can also irritate the gums, make them red and swollen, and (sometimes) cause bleeding. This can lead to infections that destroy the bone surrounding and supporting your teeth.

High blood glucose levels can cause bacteria to grow, allowing infections to develop quickly and making them more difficult to treat.

Even if you wear dentures, you can experience gum disease and other dental problems. In its early stages gum disease is usually painless, and many people don’t even know they have it.

Signs of gum disease are listed below.

• Bleeding gums when you brush or floss your teeth
• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Bad breath
• A dry mouth or oral thrush
• Teeth that are loose or moving away from each other
• Gums that have pulled away from the tooth, so the tooth’s root is showing, or the tooth looks longer
• Changes in the way dentures fit.

If you notice any signs of tooth decay or gum disease, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.

Looking after your dental health

There are several things you can do to reduce dental problems.

• Keep blood glucose levels within your target range. Talk to your doctor and diabetes educator about how to achieve this.
• Brush and floss your teeth every day. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush.
• See your dentist at least once a year. Tell your dentist you have diabetes and let them know if you have noticed any signs of gum disease.
• Don’t smoke. If you do, try and quit. If you feel you can’t give up smoking on your own, ask for help—talk to your doctor or call the Quitline on 137 848.
• Make healthy food and drink choices. Enjoy a wide variety of nutritious foods, and limit foods and drinks high in added sugars. Choose water as your everyday drink.

This information is intended as a guide only. It should not replace individual medical advice. If you have any concerns about your health, or further questions, you should contact your health professional.

Version 3 February 2020. First published June 2016.